Over the air synchronization by means of a protocol in a next generation wireless network

ABSTRACT

An integrated access and backhaul network is provided with network nodes that can establish timing synchronization with any other network nodes. In an embodiment, network nodes in a multi-hop integrated access and backhaul network have a hop order of n, wherein n represents a number of hops from a node connected to the core network via a wired connection. In an embodiment, instead of using the network node with a hop order of 0 as the timing synchronization reference for over-the-air synchronization, any network node can use any other network node as a synchronization reference. A relay node can first establish a wireless link to said arbitrary node. Said wireless link is then used to synchronize the relay or IAB node using a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) implementation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to the field of mobilecommunications and, for example, to establishing over the airsynchronization of multi-hop integrated access and backhaul relay nodesusing a precision time protocol in a next generation wireless network.

BACKGROUND

To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, Third GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) systems and systems that employ one or moreaspects of the specifications of the Fourth Generation (4G) standard forwireless communications will be extended to a Fifth Generation (5G)standard for wireless communications. Unique challenges exist to providelevels of service associated with forthcoming 5G and other nextgeneration network standards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosureare described with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example multi-hop integrated access and backhaulnetwork in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of thesubject disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example message sequence chart for establishingtiming synchronization in accordance with various aspects andembodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example multi-hop integrated access and backhaulnetwork in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of thesubject disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example block diagram of a network node devicethat can establish timing synchronization with another network nodedevice in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method for establishing timingsynchronization in an integrated access and backhaul network inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for establishing timingsynchronization in an integrated access and backhaul network inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method for establishing timingsynchronization in an integrated access and backhaul network inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram of an example mobile networkplatform in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of thesubject disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram of a computer that can beoperable to execute processes and methods in accordance with variousaspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details (and without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard).

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for an integrated accessand backhaul network with network nodes that can establish timingsynchronization with other network nodes using a protocol. In anembodiment, network nodes in a multi-hop integrated access and backhaulnetwork have a hop order of n, wherein n represents a number of hopsfrom a node connected to the core network via a wired connection. In anembodiment, instead of using the network node with a hop order of 0 asthe timing synchronization reference, any network node can use any othernetwork node as a synchronization reference. In other words, no masternodes are configured that serve as the sole timing reference for themulti-hop network. A relay node can first establish a wireless link tosaid arbitrary node. Said wireless link is then used to synchronize therelay or IAB node using a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) implementation.Consequently, a node of hop order n seeking timing synchronization doesnot use any over-the-air waveforms other than from nodes of hop ordern−1 unlike traditional radio interface base synchronization techniqueswhere nodes of hop order n>0 all use over-the-air waveforms from amaster node of hop order 0.

In various embodiments a network node device can comprise a processorand a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed bythe processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations caninclude determining a node device to be synchronized in an integratedaccess and backhaul network. The operations can also includefacilitating establishing the node device as a relay node device and thenetwork node device as a donor node device via a first group of wirelesstransmissions, wherein the relay node device has a hop order of n+1 inthe integrated access and backhaul network, wherein n represents anumber of hops from a core network device, and wherein the donor nodedevice has a hop order of n. The operations can also includefacilitating synchronization of the relay node device via a second groupof wireless transmissions.

In another embodiment, a method can include broadcasting, by a donornode device comprising a processor, a signal that comprises timinginformation and frequency information to facilitate establishing acommunication channel with a relay node device. The method can alsoinclude facilitating, by the donor node device, receiving a randomaccess channel transmission from the relay node device. The method canalso include facilitating, by the donor node device, transmitting arandom access channel response that facilitates establishing a noderelationship with the relay node device, wherein the node relationshipindicates that the relay node device has a hop order of n+1 in anintegrated access and backhaul network, wherein n represents a number ofhops to a node connected to the core network via a wired connection, andwherein the donor node device has a hop order of n. The method can alsoinclude facilitating, by the donor node device, transmitting asynchronization message to the relay node device to facilitate timingsynchronization of the donor node device and the relay node device.

In another embodiment, a machine-readable storage medium can executeinstructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performanceof operations. The operations can include receiving a broadcast signalfrom a donor node device that comprises timing information and frequencyinformation to facilitate establishing a communication channel with thedonor node device. The operations can also include transmitting a randomaccess channel request via the communication channel wherein the randomaccess channel request facilitates establishing a node relationship withthe donor node device, wherein the node relationship indicates that therelay node device has a hop order of n+1 in an integrated access andbackhaul network, wherein n represents a number of hops to a nodeconnected to the core network via a wired connection, and wherein thedonor node device has a hop order of n. The operations can also includereceiving a synchronization message from the donor node device, whereinthe synchronization message facilitates timing synchronization of thedonor node device and the relay node device.

As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms “component,”“system” and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise, acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatuswith one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can beeither hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executableinstructions, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration andnot limitation, both an application running on a server and the servercan be a component.

One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread ofexecution and a component may be localized on one computer and/ordistributed between two or more computers. In addition, these componentscan execute from various computer readable media having various datastructures stored thereon. The components may communicate via localand/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having oneor more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting withanother component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across anetwork such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). Asanother example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application orfirmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor canbe internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part ofthe software or firmware application. As yet another example, acomponent can be an apparatus that provides specific functionalitythrough electronic components without mechanical parts, the electroniccomponents can comprise a processor therein to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. While various components have been illustrated asseparate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components canbe implemented as a single component, or a single component can beimplemented as multiple components, without departing from exampleembodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable (or machine-readable) device or computer-readable (ormachine-readable) storage/communications media. For example, computerreadable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to, magneticstorage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), opticaldisks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), smartcards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive). Ofcourse, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications canbe made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spiritof the various embodiments.

Moreover, terms such as “mobile device equipment,” “mobile station,”“mobile,” subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,”“communication device,” “mobile device” (and/or terms representingsimilar terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or mobile device of a wireless communication service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming orsubstantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point (AP),” “Base Station (BS),”BS transceiver, BS device, cell site, cell site device, “gNode B (gNB),”“evolved Node B (eNode B),” “home Node B (HNB)” and the like, areutilized interchangeably in the application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that transmits and/or receives data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream from one or more subscriber stations. Data andsignaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “device,” “communication device,” “mobiledevice,” “subscriber,” “customer entity,” “consumer,” “customer entity,”“entity” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout, unlesscontext warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which canprovide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

Embodiments described herein can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology, comprising, but not limited to,wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for mobile communications(GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwideinteroperability for microwave access (WiMAX), enhanced general packetradio service (enhanced GPRS), third generation partnership project(3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), third generation partnership project 2(3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA),Z-Wave, Zigbee and other 802.XX wireless technologies and/or legacytelecommunication technologies.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system 100 inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure. In one or more embodiments, system 100 can comprise one ormore user equipment UEs 104 and 102, which can have one or more antennapanels having vertical and horizontal elements. A UE 102 can be a mobiledevice such as a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, awearable device, a virtual reality (VR) device, a heads-up display (HUD)device, a smart car, a machine-type communication (MTC) device, and thelike. UE 102 can also refer to any type of wireless device thatcommunicates with a radio network node in a cellular or mobilecommunication system. Examples of UE 102 are target device, device todevice (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine(M2M) communication, PDA, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptopembedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB donglesetc. User equipment UE 102 can also comprise IOT devices thatcommunicate wirelessly. In various embodiments, system 100 is orcomprises a wireless communication network serviced by one or morewireless communication network providers. In example embodiments, a UE102 can be communicatively coupled to the wireless communication networkvia a network node 106.

The non-limiting term network node (or radio network node) is usedherein to refer to any type of network node serving a UE 102 and UE 104and/or connected to other network node, network element, or anothernetwork node from which the UE 102 or 104 can receive a radio signal.Network nodes can also have multiple antennas for performing varioustransmission operations (e.g., MIMO operations). A network node can havea cabinet and other protected enclosures, an antenna mast, and actualantennas. Network nodes can serve several cells, also called sectors,depending on the configuration and type of antenna. Examples of networknodes (e.g., network node 106) can comprise but are not limited to:NodeB devices, base station (BS) devices, access point (AP) devices, andradio access network (RAN) devices. The network node 106 can alsocomprise multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node devices, including butnot limited to: an MSR BS, an eNode B, a network controller, a radionetwork controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a relay, adonor node controlling relay, a base transceiver station (BTS), atransmission point, a transmission node, an RRU, an RRH, nodes indistributed antenna system (DAS), and the like. In 5G terminology, thenode 106 can be referred to as a gNodeB device.

Wireless communication system 100 can employ various cellulartechnologies and modulation schemes to facilitate wireless radiocommunications between devices (e.g., the UE 102 and 104 and the networknode 106). For example, system 100 can operate in accordance with aUMTS, long term evolution (LTE), high speed packet access (HSPA), codedivision multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),frequency division multiple access (FDMA), multi-carrier code divisionmultiple access (MC-CDMA), single-carrier code division multiple access(SC-CDMA), single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), OFDM, (DFT)-spread OFDM orSC-FDMA)), FBMC, ZT DFT-s-OFDM, GFDM, UFMC, UW DFT-Spread-OFDM, UW-OFDM,CP-OFDM, resource-block-filtered OFDM, and UFMC. However, variousfeatures and functionalities of system 100 are particularly describedwherein the devices (e.g., the UEs 102 and 104 and the network device106) of system 100 are configured to communicate wireless signals usingone or more multi carrier modulation schemes, wherein data symbols canbe transmitted simultaneously over multiple frequency subcarriers (e.g.,OFDM, CP-OFDM, DFT-spread OFMD, UFMC, FMBC, etc.).

In various embodiments, system 100 can be configured to provide andemploy 5G wireless networking features and functionalities. 5G wirelesscommunication networks are expected to fulfill the demand ofexponentially increasing data traffic and to allow people and machinesto enjoy gigabit data rates with virtually zero latency. Compared to 4G,5G supports more diverse traffic scenarios. For example, in addition tothe various types of data communication between conventional UEs (e.g.,phones, smartphones, tablets, PCs, televisions, Internet enabledtelevisions, etc.) supported by 4G networks, 5G networks can be employedto support data communication between smart cars in association withdriverless car environments, as well as machine type communications(MTCs).

In an embodiment, network node 106 can be part of an integrated accessand backhaul network. This may allow easier deployment of a densenetwork of self-backhauled NR cells in a more integrated manner bybuilding upon many of the control and data channels/procedures definedfor providing access to UEs.

An example of an integrated access and backhaul network can be providedas shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a multi-hopintegrated access and backhaul network 200 in accordance with variousembodiments disclosed herein. In integrated access and backhaul network200, there can be a donor node device 202 that is connected to a corenetwork device (not pictured). The donor network node device 202 can beconnected to the core network device via a physical backhaul connectionin one or more embodiments. Network nodes 204 and 206, instead of beingdirectly connected to the core network, can receive their backhaulconnection via network node 202, and in the case of network node 206,via network node 204 as well. In various embodiments, the backhaulconnection between one or more of network node devices 202, 204, or 206can be provided via over the air interface).

In an embodiment, in an integrated access and backhaul network, thenetwork node device 202 is said to be of hop order 0, network node 204which connects to network node device 202 is said to be of hop order 1,and network node 206, which connects to network node device 204 has ahop order of 2. Each node of hop order n>0 connects to the core networkvia n wireless backhaul connections to the donor node.

In an embodiment, even when the backhaul link connecting network node206 and network node 204 to network node 202 is provided via a physicalbackhaul, timing synchronization can still be performed via an over theair interface. This is due to the fact that occasionally, small latencyand jitter of the cable connection cannot be guaranteed.

Furthermore, in traditional implementations, radio interface basedsynchronization (RIBS) techniques can be used to achieve over-the-air(OTA) timing synchronization. RIBS uses physical connections to backhauldata between each base station and the core network as well as airinterface techniques for timing synchronization of each node. Inparticular, nodes are separated into masters (namely those base stationsthat can be used as a timing reference) and slaves (those nodes thatneed to acquire timing synchronization via said master nodes). Forexample, a master node may be a macro base station that is equipped withan GPS receiver whereas slave nodes may be small cell base stations thatare deployed indoors in residential or enterprise premises. Inparticular, said small base stations may have Ethernet connectivity tothe core network via a DSL cable with significant jitter/delay andmoreover, due to their indoor location, may not use GPS for timingsynchronization. For these nodes, RIBS can enable timing synchronizationby means of reference or synchronization signals that are transmitted bya master node.

In the traditional implementation, the master node is always the nodewith hop order 0, e.g., network node device 202. RIBS based techniquesare inefficient for multi-hop relay networks because only master nodescan be used as timing reference. Network node 204 will experience abetter link quality to master node device 202 than network node 206because of its proximity to network node 202. Generally, when RIBS basedtechniques are employed, the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio(SINR) with which a slave node receives waveforms from a master nodewill degrade with increasing hop order. Hence, the system suffers fromerror propagation. In order to boost the SINR, RIBS based techniques mayconfigure muting patterns among the transmissions of all base stationsto increase the SINR of slave nodes of higher hop order. These mutingpatterns, however, while increasing the SINR of the RIBS deteriorate theoverall spectral efficiency of the network.

To solve this problem, the disclosed over the air timing synchronizationsolution enables each network node to be a timing synchronization masternode to any other node. Thus, network node 202 can serve as a masternode for timing synchronization purposes for network node 204, and thennetwork node 204 can serve as a master node for timing synchronizationfor network node 206.

The network node will first establish a wireless link to said arbitrarynode. Said wireless link is then used to synchronize the relay or IABnode using a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) implementation. Consequently,a node of hop order n seeking timing synchronization does not use anyover-the-air waveforms other than from nodes of hop order n−1 unlikeRIBS techniques where nodes of hop order n>0 all use over-the-airwaveforms from a master node of hop order 0.

Because any node can serve as timing reference, no muting patterns areneeded thereby obviating the need for muting patterns which increasesspectral efficiency of the system. Likewise, the SINR is always betterthan in RIBS based techniques because over-the-air synchronization isalways based on a single hop rather than multiple hops.

Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example message sequence chart300 for establishing timing synchronization in accordance with variousaspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

In an embodiment, a donor node device 302 can establish a donor/relaynode relationship with relay node device 304 through a sequence ofmessages sent in between the devices in order to implement the PrecisionTime Protocol (PTP) via the over the air interface. The donor nodedevice 302 is a node of hop order n−1, whereby relay node 304 is a relaynode of hop order n.

In an embodiment, at 306, donor node device 302 transmits asynchronization signal to relay node device 304. The synchronizationsignal 306 enables the relay node device 304 to obtain coarse time andfrequency synchronization for reception of the broadcast channel 308transmitted by donor node device 302. The payload of the broadcastchannel transmission 308 enables relay node device 304 to receiveremaining system information (RMSI) scheduled by physical downlinkcontrol channel (PDCCH) transmission 310 and transmitted by the physicaldownlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission 312.

The payload of 312, namely, parts of the RMSI, enable relay node device304 to initiate a random access procedure by transmitting a physicalrandom access channel transmission 314 to donor node device 302. Donornode device 302 responds to the physical random access channeltransmission 314 with a random access response (RAR) scheduled byphysical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission 316 andtransmitted by the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission318. Amongst others, the random access response 318 includes informationfor relay node device 304 to transmit a message on the physical uplinkshared channel (PUSCH) transmission 320.

Physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission 324 is scheduledby physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmission 322 and mayserve the purpose of contention resolution, if necessary. Aftercontention resolution, one or more PDCCH 326 and PDSCH 328 transmissionsmay configure the relay node device 304 as relay or IAB node.Subsequently, one or more PDCCH 330 and PDSCH 332 transmissions mayconfigure a precision timing protocol (PTP) between relay node device304 and a PTP master clock associated with donor node device 302.

In an embodiment, donor node device 302 may configure relay node device304 via a timing advance (TA) command to shift its transmission time inorder to guarantee radio frame boundary alignment between the two basestation devices according to some criteria. For example, donor nodedevice 302 may configure relay node device 304 such that theirrespective radio frame boundaries are within a given accuracy of, forinstance, 3 microseconds. In addition, relay node device 304 maycontinuously monitor waveform transmissions by donor node device 302 toautonomously correct its radio frame boundary timing according to somecriteria.

The precision timing protocol established between relay node device 304and some master clock associated with donor node device 302 allows toestablish a global timing reference in the network 200. In particular,relay node device 304 may be an implementation of the network node 206and donor node device 302 may be an implementation of the network node204. The PTP exchanges messages with relay node device 304 via PDSCH andPUSCH transmissions sent/received by donor node device 302 in order toestablish sub-microsecond synchronization among nodes of network 200.

Scheduling, quality-of-service (QoS) control and route management canensure that PTP packets are delivered to relay node device 304 with lowlatency and high reliability. For example, donor node device 302 mayadjust the frame structure (namely, which subframes can be used totransmit and receive, respectively) or PDSCH/PUSCH transmissiondurations for that purpose. In addition to a PTP master clock, boundaryclocks may be used at one or more network node device within theexemplary network 200. As an example, if network node 204 or networknode 206 comprise a GPS receiver, they may serve as a boundary clock andserve as the root timing reference and can thus improve overallsynchronization accuracy. The root timing reference (grandmaster) may belocated within the radio access network (e.g., base station 204 or 206)or within the core network.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an example multi-hop integratedaccess and backhaul network in accordance with various aspects andembodiments of the subject disclosure.

In an embodiment, a core network device 402 can be connected to anetwork node device 404 that serves as a donor node for network nodedevice 406 and serves as a master node with regards to over-the-airtiming synchronization for network node device 406. Network node device406, can in turn, also serve as a master node for over-the-air timingsynchronization for network node 408. Network node device 408 does nothave to use network node 404 as a timing reference, and can instead usethe closer network node device 406, and avoid issues with low SINR, andpropagation losses. In an embodiment, network node device 408 can have aGPS receiver 410 which can be used a master timing reference to improvesynchronization within the network.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated is an example block diagram 500 of anetwork node device 502 that can establish timing synchronization withanother network node device in accordance with various aspects andembodiments of the subject disclosure. In an embodiment, network nodedevice can both serve as a relay node, receiving timing synchronizationfrom a donor node device elsewhere, and likewise, also serve as a donornode device for another network node device of a higher hop order.

Network node device 502 can include a relay component 506 that canfacilitate establishing a relay/donor node relationship by managing theissuance of the messages and signals depicted in FIG. 3. Relay component506 can determine whether the device 502 is to act as a relay node(e.g., slave device) or a donor node (e.g., master device) with respectto the synchronization protocol. Once the relationship is established,synchronization component 504 can perform the synchronization accordingto the Precision Timing Protocol, and can determine the adjustment ofthe frame structure, issuing or applying a received timing advance, andother synchronization functionality. In an embodiment, the clockcomponent 508 can be used as a master clock, or can be adjusted based onthe synchronization process, and transceiver component 510 canfacilitate sending the messages relating to establishing the donor/relayrelationship and timing synchronization.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrates a process in connection with the aforementionedsystems. The processes in FIGS. 6-8 can be implemented for example bythe systems in FIGS. 1-5 respectively. While for purposes of simplicityof explanation, the methods are shown and described as a series ofblocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subjectmatter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks mayoccur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks fromwhat is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustratedblocks may be required to implement the methods described hereinafter.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 for establishing timingsynchronization in an integrated access and backhaul network inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

Method 600 can begin at 602 where the method includes determining a nodedevice to be synchronized in an integrated access and backhaul network.

At 604, the method includes facilitating establishing the node device asa relay node device and the network node device as a donor node devicevia a first group of wireless transmissions, wherein the relay nodedevice has a hop order of n+1 in the integrated access and backhaulnetwork, wherein n represents a number of hops to a node connected tothe core network via a wired connection, and wherein the donor nodedevice has a hop order of n.

At 606, the method includes facilitating synchronization of the relaynode device via a second group of wireless transmissions.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 for establishing timingsynchronization in an integrated access and backhaul network inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

Method 700 can begin at 702 where the method includes broadcasting, by adonor node device comprising a processor, a signal that comprises timinginformation and frequency information to facilitate establishing acommunication channel with a relay node device.

At 704, the method includes facilitating, by the donor node device,receiving a random access channel transmission from the relay nodedevice.

At 706, the method includes facilitating, by the donor node device,transmitting a random access channel response that facilitatesestablishing a node relationship with the relay node device, wherein thenode relationship indicates that the relay node device has a hop orderof n+1 in an integrated access and backhaul network, wherein nrepresents a number of hops to a node connected to the core network viaa wired connection, and wherein the donor node device has a hop order ofn.

At 708, the method includes facilitating, by the donor node device,transmitting a synchronization message to the relay node device tofacilitate timing synchronization of the donor node device and the relaynode device.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example method 800 for establishing timingsynchronization in an integrated access and backhaul network inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

Method 800 can begin at 802 where the method includes receiving abroadcast, from a donor node device, of a signal that comprises timinginformation and frequency information to facilitate establishing acommunication channel with the donor node device.

At 804, the method includes transmitting a random access channel requestvia the communication channel wherein the random access channel requestfacilitates establishing a node relationship with the donor node device,wherein the node relationship indicates that the relay node device has ahop order of n+1 in an integrated access and backhaul network, wherein nrepresents a number of hops to a node connected to the core network viaa wired connection, and wherein the donor node device has a hop order ofn.

At 806, the method includes receiving a synchronization message from thedonor node device, wherein the synchronization message facilitatestiming synchronization of the donor node device and the relay nodedevice.

FIG. 9 presents an example embodiment 900 of a mobile network platform910 that can implement and exploit one or more aspects of the disclosedsubject matter described herein. Generally, wireless network platform910 can include components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers,or disparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g.,internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well ascontrol generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, wireless network platform 910 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 910includes CS gateway node(s) 912 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 940 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 960. Circuit switched gatewaynode(s) 912 can authorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arisingfrom such networks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 912 can accessmobility, or roaming, data generated through SS7 network 960; forinstance, mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR),which can reside in memory 930. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 912interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PS gateway node(s) 918. Asan example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gateway node(s) 912 can berealized at least in part in gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). Itshould be appreciated that functionality and specific operation of CSgateway node(s) 912, PS gateway node(s) 918, and serving node(s) 916, isprovided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobilenetwork platform 910 for telecommunication. Mobile network platform 910can also include the MMEs, HSS/PCRFs, SGWs, and PGWs disclosed herein.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 918 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions caninclude traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to thewireless network platform 910, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 950,enterprise network(s) 970, and service network(s) 980, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 910 through PS gateway node(s) 918. It is to benoted that WANs 950 and enterprise network(s) 970 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) 917,packet-switched gateway node(s) 918 can generate packet data protocolcontexts when a data session is established; other data structures thatfacilitate routing of packetized data also can be generated. To thatend, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 918 can include a tunnel interface(e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (notshown)) which can facilitate packetized communication with disparatewireless network(s), such as Wi-Fi networks.

In embodiment 900, wireless network platform 910 also includes servingnode(s) 916 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) 917, convey the various packetized flows of datastreams received through PS gateway node(s) 918. It is to be noted thatfor technology resource(s) 917 that rely primarily on CS communication,server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance on PS gatewaynode(s) 918; for example, server node(s) can embody at least in part amobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, servingnode(s) 916 can be embodied in serving GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)914 in wireless network platform 910 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can include add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bywireless network platform 910. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 918 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 916 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 914 can include utilityserver(s), a utility server can include a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through wireless network platform 910 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 912and PS gateway node(s) 918 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 950 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to wirelessnetwork platform 910 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as femto-cell network(s) (not shown) that enhancewireless service coverage within indoor confined spaces and offload RANresources in order to enhance subscriber service experience within ahome or business environment by way of UE 975.

It is to be noted that server(s) 914 can include one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of macro networkplatform 910. To that end, the one or more processor can execute codeinstructions stored in memory 930, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 914 can include a content manager 915, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 900, memory 830 can store information related tooperation of wireless network platform 810. Other operationalinformation can include provisioning information of mobile devicesserved through wireless platform network 810, subscriber databases;application intelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates,flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s)consistent with telecommunication protocols for operation of disparateradio, or wireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 930 can alsostore information from at least one of telephony network(s) 940, WAN950, enterprise network(s) 970, or SS7 network 960. In an aspect, memory930 can be, for example, accessed as part of a data store component oras a remotely connected memory store.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer 1000 operable to execute the functions and operations performedin the described example embodiments. For example, a network node (e.g.,network nodes 106, 202, 204, 206, 302, 304, 502, and e.g.,) may containcomponents as described in FIG. 10. The computer 1000 can providenetworking and communication capabilities between a wired or wirelesscommunication network and a server and/or communication device. In orderto provide additional context for various aspects thereof, FIG. 1 andthe following discussion are intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of a suitable computing environment in which the variousaspects of the embodiments can be implemented to facilitate theestablishment of a transaction between an entity and a third party.While the description above is in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodimentsalso can be implemented in combination with other program modules and/oras a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the various embodiments can also be practicedin distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performedby remote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media or communications media, whichtwo terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.

Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include,but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical diskstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitorymedia which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readablestorage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computingdevices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrievalprotocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the informationstored by the medium.

Communications media can embody computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data ina data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave orother transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery ortransport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way ofexample, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference to FIG. 10, implementing various aspects described hereinwith regards to the end-user device can include a computer 1000, thecomputer 1000 including a processing unit 1004, a system memory 1006 anda system bus 1008. The system bus 1008 couples system componentsincluding, but not limited to, the system memory 1006 to the processingunit 1004. The processing unit 1004 can be any of various commerciallyavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processorarchitectures can also be employed as the processing unit 1004.

The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1006includes read-only memory (ROM) 1027 and random access memory (RAM)1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1027 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1000, such as during start-up. The RAM 1012 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1000 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1014 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1018) and an optical disk drive 1020, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1014, magnetic diskdrive 1016 and optical disk drive 1020 can be connected to the systembus 1008 by a hard disk drive interface 1024, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1026 and an optical drive interface 1028, respectively. Theinterface 1024 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject embodiments.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1000 the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer 1000, such aszip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, can also be used in the example operating environment, andfurther, that any such media can contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the disclosed embodiments.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012,including an operating system 1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules 1034 and program data 1036. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1012. It is to be appreciated that the variousembodiments can be implemented with various commercially availableoperating systems or combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1000 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1038 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1040. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1004 through an input deviceinterface 1042 that is coupled to the system bus 1008, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1044 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1008 through an interface, such as a video adapter 1046. Inaddition to the monitor 1044, a computer 1000 typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1000 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections by wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048. The remotecomputer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentdevice, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer,although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1050 isillustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/or larger networks,e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WAN networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitateenterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which mayconnect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1000 isconnected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1052, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1056.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1000 can includea modem 1058, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1054, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1054, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1058, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1008 through the input device interface 1042. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1050. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless devices orentities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE802.11 (a, b,g, n, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. AWi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to theInternet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Finetworks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate, for example, or withproducts that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic “10BaseT” wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures suchas, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhanceperformance of user equipment. A processor also can be implemented as acombination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “data store,” “datastorage,” “database,” “repository,” “queue”, and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory. In addition, memory components or memory elementscan be removable or stationary. Moreover, memory can be internal orexternal to a device or component, or removable or stationary. Memorycan comprise various types of media that are readable by a computer,such as hard-disc drives, zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards or other types of memory cards, cartridges, or the like.

By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory cancomprise read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electricallyprogrammable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flashmemory. Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), whichacts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and notlimitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rateSDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), anddirect Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory componentsof systems or methods herein are intended to comprise, without beinglimited to comprising, these and any other suitable types of memory.

In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by theabove described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, theterms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurallyequivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function inthe herein illustrated example aspects of the embodiments. In thisregard, it will also be recognized that the embodiments comprise asystem as well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executableinstructions for performing the acts and/or events of the variousmethods.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, solid state drive (SSD) or other solid-state storagetechnology, compact disk read only memory (CD ROM), digital versatiledisk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices or other tangible and/or non-transitory media which canbe used to store desired information.

In this regard, the terms “tangible” or “non-transitory” herein asapplied to storage, memory or computer-readable media, are to beunderstood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se asmodifiers and do not relinquish rights to all standard storage, memoryor computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitorysignals per se. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by oneor more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests,queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of operationswith respect to the information stored by the medium.

On the other hand, communications media typically embodycomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as amodulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and comprises any information delivery or transport media.The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to a signal that hasone or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as toencode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and notlimitation, communications media comprise wired media, such as a wirednetwork or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,RF, infrared and other wireless media

Further, terms like “user equipment,” “user device,” “mobile device,”“mobile,” station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” andsimilar terminology, generally refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or user of a wireless communication network or service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming, orsubstantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably in the subject specification and relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point,” “node B,” “base station,”“evolved Node B,” “cell,” “cell site,” and the like, can be utilizedinterchangeably in the subject application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that serves and receives data, control,voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream from a set of subscriber stations. Data and signalingstreams can be packetized or frame-based flows. It is noted that in thesubject specification and drawings, context or explicit distinctionprovides differentiation with respect to access points or base stationsthat serve and receive data from a mobile device in an outdoorenvironment, and access points or base stations that operate in aconfined, primarily indoor environment overlaid in an outdoor coveragearea. Data and signaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer,” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout the subjectspecification, unless context warrants particular distinction(s) amongthe terms. It should be appreciated that such terms can refer to humanentities, associated devices, or automated components supported throughartificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference based oncomplex mathematical formalisms) which can provide simulated vision,sound recognition and so forth. In addition, the terms “wirelessnetwork” and “network” are used interchangeable in the subjectapplication, when context wherein the term is utilized warrantsdistinction for clarity purposes such distinction is made explicit.

Moreover, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as anexample, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the wordexemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As usedin this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, orclear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of thenatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; orX employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under anyof the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” asused in this application and the appended claims should generally beconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form.

In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” andvariants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar tothe term “comprising.”

The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject disclosureand corresponding figures and what is described in the Abstract, aredescribed herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise formsdisclosed. It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the artmay recognize that other embodiments having modifications, permutations,combinations, and additions can be implemented for performing the same,similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subjectmatter, and are therefore considered within the scope of thisdisclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not belimited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should beconstrued in breadth and scope in accordance with the claims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A network node device, comprising: a processor;and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed bythe processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:facilitating establishing a node relationship with a node device as arelay node device and the network node device as a donor node device viaa first group of wireless transmissions, wherein the relay node devicehas a hop order of n+1 in an integrated access and backhaul network,wherein n represents a number of hops to a node connected to a corenetwork via a wired connection, and wherein the donor node device has ahop order of n; wherein the first group of wireless transmissionscomprises: a synchronization signal that enables the relay node deviceto receive a broadcast channel transmission; the broadcast channeltransmission, wherein the broadcast channel transmission enables therelay node device to receive remaining system information, wherein theremaining system information enables the relay node device to initiate arandom access procedure with the donor node device; and at least onefirst physical downlink control channel transmission and at least onefirst physical downlink shared channel transmission to configure therelay node device as a relay node; and facilitating synchronization ofthe relay node device via a second group of wireless transmissions,wherein the second group of wireless transmissions comprises: at leastone second physical downlink control channel transmission and at leastone second physical downlink shared channel transmission to configure atiming protocol between the relay node device and the donor node device.2. The network node device of claim 1, wherein the random accessprocedure comprises: receiving a random access channel transmission fromthe relay node device; and transmitting a random access channel responseto the relay node device.
 3. The network node device of claim 1, whereinthe operations further comprise: configuring a transmission of theremaining system information via the at least one first physicaldownlink control channel transmission.
 4. The network node device ofclaim 1, wherein a first clock associated with the donor node device isa master clock, and a second clock associated with the relay node deviceis a slave clock.
 5. The network node device of claim 1, wherein thesecond group of wireless transmissions comprise a third group ofsynchronization messages.
 6. The network node device of claim 1, whereinthe second group of wireless transmissions comprises a timing advancecommand message.
 7. The network node device of claim 1, wherein theoperations further comprise: adjusting a frame structure for a futuretransmission to the relay node device; and transmitting an indication ofthe adjusting to the relay node device.
 8. The network node device ofclaim 1, wherein the network node device comprises a global positioningsystem receiver, and wherein the network node device uses timeinformation from the global positioning system receiver as a root timereference.
 9. The network node device of claim 1, wherein the relay nodedevice comprises a global positioning system receiver, and wherein thenetwork node device uses time information from the global positioningsystem receiver as a root time reference.
 10. The network node device ofclaim 1, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving timeinformation indicative of a root time reference from a core networkdevice.
 11. A method, comprising: broadcasting, by a donor node devicecomprising a processor, a signal that comprises timing information andfrequency information to facilitate establishing a communication channelwith a relay node device; facilitating, by the donor node device,transmitting at least one first physical downlink control channeltransmission and at least one first physical downlink shared channeltransmission to configure the relay node device as a relay node;facilitating, by the donor node device, receiving a random accesschannel transmission from the relay node device; facilitating, by thedonor node device, transmitting a random access channel response thatfacilitates establishing a node relationship with the relay node device,wherein the node relationship indicates that the relay node device has ahop order of n+1 in an integrated access and backhaul network, wherein nrepresents a number of hops to a node connected to a core network via awired connection, and wherein the donor node device has a hop order ofn; and facilitating, by the donor node device, transmitting at least onesecond physical downlink control channel transmission and at least onesecond physical downlink shared channel transmission to configure atiming protocol between the relay node device and the donor node device,wherein performing the timing protocol comprises transmitting asynchronization message to the relay node device to facilitate timingsynchronization of the donor node device and the relay node device. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein the facilitating the receiving therandom access channel transmission is in response to facilitating, bythe donor node device, transmitting remaining system information on aphysical downlink shared channel to the relay node device.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising: configuring, by the donor nodedevice, a transmission of the remaining system information via abroadcast channel and a downlink control channel.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein a first clock associated with the donor node device isa master clock, and a second clock associated with the relay node deviceis a slave clock.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:adjusting, by the donor node device, a frame structure for a futuretransmission to the relay node device; and transmitting, by the donornode device, an indication of the adjusting to the relay node device.16. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the frame structure forthe future transmission to the relay node device comprises adjustingsubframes that are able to be used to transmit the future transmissionto the relay node device.
 17. A non-transitory machine-readable medium,comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor ofa relay node device, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:receiving a broadcast, from a donor node device, of a signal thatcomprises timing information and frequency information to facilitateestablishing a communication channel with the donor node device;receiving, from the donor node device, at least one first physicaldownlink control channel transmission and at least one first physicaldownlink shared channel transmission to configure the relay node deviceas a relay node; transmitting a random access channel request via thecommunication channel wherein the random access channel requestfacilitates establishing a node relationship with the donor node device,wherein the node relationship indicates that the relay node device has ahop order of n+1 in an integrated access and backhaul network, wherein nrepresents a number of hops to a node connected to a core network via awired connection, and wherein the donor node device has a hop order ofn; and receiving, from the donor node device, at least one secondphysical downlink control channel transmission and at least one secondphysical downlink shared channel transmission to configure a timingprotocol between the relay node device and the donor node device,wherein the timing protocol being performed comprises reception of asynchronization message from the donor node device, wherein thesynchronization message facilitates timing synchronization of the donornode device and the relay node device.
 18. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the operations furthercomprise receiving, from the donor node device, a timing advance commandto shift relay node device transmission time for radio frame boundaryalignment between the donor node device and the relay node device. 19.The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein theradio frame boundary alignment is within an accuracy of about threemicroseconds.
 20. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim17, wherein the operations further comprise monitoring waveformtransmissions from the donor node device and, based on the monitoring,correcting radio frame boundary timing at the relay node device.